Senior Katie Flanigan thought she had her college career planned. She has always been interested in communications and knew the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication had a great reputation. With the HOPE scholarship, UGA seemed like a deal she couldn’t pass up. Like many students, she decided to study abroad, and she was excited to be accepted to the United Kingdom study abroad program for the summer of 2005. Then the London terrorist bombings happened the day before she was to leave. Her parents let her go, and the experience was transformational in her college career. As a result of being in the U.K. at that time, Katie added a degree in international affairs to her studies. She has been active with the College Republicans and numerous political campaigns. She has written for the Red and Black student newspaper, helped recruit students for the UGA Student Government Association, and worked in several marketing internships. After graduation, she hopes to secure a position with a marketing firm.
Hometown:
Atlanta, Ga.
High School:
The Lovett School
Degree objective:
A.B. in International Affairs and A.B.J. in Telecommunication Arts
Expected graduation:
Fall 2008
University highlights, achievements, awards and scholarships:
In my time at UGA, I have worked as an account service intern with SicolaMartin, an advertising and marketing agency in Austin, Texas, and I have been a marketing communications intern with Cbeyond, a managed services provider in Atlanta, Ga. I have also worked as the public affairs intern for Jocelyn Dorsey, host of People 2 People on WSB-TV in Atlanta, Ga. I was also a Foreign Policy and National Security Fellow in a program co-sponsored by the UGA School of Public and International Affairs and the Office of Senator Saxby Chambliss in Washington, D.C. On campus, I have been chairperson of the UGA College Republicans—the largest chapter in the nation with membership of 2000+. I was co-chair of the reelection committee for Governor Sonny Perdue, and I was a volunteer during the campaign of mayoral candidate Charlie Maddox. I was the recipient of the UGA College Republicans Representative Jack Kingston Leadership Award, and I am part of Phi Kappa Phi, the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, the Golden Key International Honor Society, Dean’s List, and the President’s List.
Current Employment:
Sales, marketing and social networking for Lighthouse Strategies and Consulting, Inc. Lighthouse is a online strategy and consulting company, helping campaigns and small businesses use the tools of the 21st century to improve outreach, communication, and productivity.
Family Ties to UGA:
My mother is Van Cook Flanigan, and she graduated from UGA in 1977. My father is David Stephen Flanigan, and he graduated from UGA in 1975.
I chose to attend UGA because…
…I have always been interested in communications and wanted to attend a university that provided a strong communications program. UGA’s Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication is ranked as one of the top journalism programs in the country and has proven to be an excellent institution. I also chose to attend UGA because I had the great benefit of the HOPE scholarship.
My favorite things to do on campus are…
…staying involved on campus as much as possible, cheering the Bulldogs at football games, eating lunch in the Bulldog Café and attending lectures.
When I have free time, I like…
…to play the piano; to watch “Friends;” to play with my dog, Knightly; to travel; to hang out with my friends; to walk; to kayak; and to read.
The craziest thing I’ve done is…
…travel to England alone the day after the 7/7 bombing for a study abroad program. Even though this was a bit crazy, this trip was truly the trip of a lifetime and because of my experience in the United Kingdom after that great tragedy I decided to take up International Affairs as a second major, and it is a decision I will never regret.
My favorite place to study is…
…the Reading Room and Jittery Joe’s in the Miller Learning Center. I spend most of my time there studying, researching or attending class. The Reading Room is my favorite place to go when I have a lot of research or reading to do. I love to go to Jittery Joe’s for group meetings and always enjoy a cup of coffee while getting my work done.
My favorite professor is…
…Loch Johnson. Dr. Johnson’s course on U.S. National Security drove me to pursue my fellowship with Senator Chambliss’ office this past spring, and I will be forever grateful to him for that spark because it was the experience of a lifetime.
If I could share an afternoon with anyone, I would love to share it with…
…President George Washington. President Washington was a truly humble man who passed the opportunity for great power in order to nurture the needs of a new nation. His sole motivation was to establish a true democratic republic. I believe our success as a country can be attributed to his wisdom and leadership. Many lessons could be taken from his presidency today.
If I knew I could not fail, I would…
…join the military. The men and women who serve our nation have my utmost respect, and I would be honored to stand beside them.
After graduation, I plan to…
…use my marketing and social networking skills to expand the reach of a company or organization seeking growth.
The one UGA experience I will always remember will be…
Serving as the chairman of the UGA College Republicans at the age of 19 taught me a great deal about politics, people and leadership. I enjoyed the excitement and passion of the members as their energy helped me drive the organization forward during a busy election year. It was exciting to meet many people whom I admire in politics and who have committed their lives to public service.
